All roads closed in Narok as residents demand release of Senator Ntutu, four MPs

Kipchumba Kemei and Vincent Mabatuk

Narok, Kenya: All roads in Narok have been closed by angry residents, who are protesting the arrest of Senator Stephen Ole Ntutu and four MPS in connection with Monday’s demonstrations, in which two people were killed and scores seriously injured.

Businesses among other activities in the town have been affected with hundreds of travellers including tourists stranded.

Earlier Thursday morning, two people sustained serious injuries after they were attacked by angry youths, who reportedly suspected them to be sympathetic to Governor Samuel Tunai.

Moitalel Kenta (Narok North), KoreiLemein (Narok South), Patrick Ntutu (Narok West), Johana Ngeno (EmurwaDikir) and Senator Stephen ole Ntutu were Wednesday arrested and locked in Muthaiga Police Station cells for leading hundreds of demonstrators on Monday.

Residents were protesting against alleged misappropriation of billions of shillings from Masai Mara Game Reserve, devolved funds kitty, markets and other sources.

Youth assembled along the roads from as early as Wednesday night when they were informed that their leaders had been arrested.

The blocked roads are Narok-Masai Mara where youths blocked tourists from leaving or entering the Mara, Narok-Bomet at Katakala and Ololulung'a and Narok-Mai Mahiu in the town and Ntulele area.

Anti-riot police were forced to fire live bullets and tear gas canisters to youths who are demanding for unconditional release of the legislators.

A senior police officer said they had called for reinforcement from Bomet and Naivasha to help contain the mayhem as youths continued to pelt them with stones.